Romitorio Farmhause is located in Castiglione del Lago, between Umbria and Tuscany, just 5 km from Lake Trasimeno, in an ideal position for exploring Siena, Arezzo, and Perugia. Our restaurant offers an authentic dining experience by reservation. Guests can choose from fully equipped apartments available year-round for weekly stays or relaxing weekends. Without TVs, you can enjoy the beauty of nature with moonlit walks. Pets are welcome and stay for free. With a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere among centuries-old cypresses and olive trees, Agriturismo Romitorio is a place of extraordinary beauty and charm, also serving as a reference point for pilgrims on the Via Romea Germanica.
WOODS AND CHOCOLATE – Monte Malbe
Half-day hike in the woods of Monte Malbe, just a stone’s throw from Perugia. The vegetation is typical of the Mediterranean scrub, with holm oaks and a dense undergrowth. Noteworthy is the presence of heather-like brugo, extremely rare in our peninsula. Along the trail, we’ll find the Hermitage with its spring, the famous Trosce (local term for puddles), which are crucial to the area’s natural balance, traces of ancient charcoal kilns, and lime kilns used for lime production. This delightful walk offers a chance to learn about the forest and its inhabitants: wild boars, foxes, porcupines, badgers… but most notably, amphibians that find refuge in the trosce, such as newts, salamanders, frogs, and toads. At the end of the hike, we’ll visit Perugia, reachable via the mini-metro leading straight to the city center. There, we’ll hunt for a pastry shop or chocolate store to indulge in the world’s most popular guilty pleasure! Return to accommodation and dinner.
Excursion to Lake Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno is the largest freshwater basin in peninsular Italy and a true “treasure chest” of biodiversity. Its riparian woods, meadows, border ponds, dense reed beds, and deeper open waters provide optimal habitats for a multitude of animal species typical of wetland ecosystems. Ornithologically, Lake Trasimeno is of exceptional importance, designated as a Special Protection Area. Among large species, we may spot coots, various ducks (especially wigeons), gadwalls, mallards, teals, pochards, cormorants, and great crested grebes. The flight and dives of marsh harriers are a spectacular sight. An expert ornithologist will accompany us, providing equipment for birdwatching. We’ll also visit the Fishing Museum in San Feliciano, which explores the lake’s history and environment while recounting the stories of those who have lived along its shores, showcasing traditional tools and fishing techniques. Finally, we’ll head to Città della Pieve, a town shaped like an eagle, where we can explore works by renowned painters such as Perugino and Pomarancio. Return to accommodation and dinner.
Trek on Monte Subasio – Loop of the Hermitage of the Prisons
The Monte Subasio Park is a regional protected area of about 7,500 hectares in the heart of Umbria, east of Assisi. The loop trail starts at the evocative Hermitage of the Prisons (800m) and leads through lush holm oak woods to the summit meadows of Monte Subasio. We’ll reach the Cross of Sassopiano (1,124m), where a stunning panorama of the Umbrian valley and Assisi unfolds, before continuing the loop back to the Hermitage. Then, we’ll enter the beautiful town of Assisi, boots on, to explore the city and the Basilica. Those interested can visit the Bosco di San Francesco, a magical grove just below the Basilica. Return to accommodation for an insect lab! In the company of an entomologist, we’ll discover the fascinating world of insects by observing an ant farm, a terrarium, and a teaching case to learn about bees. Dinner.
ORVIETO AND THE ALVIANO OASIS
The WWF Alviano Lake Oasis encompasses all the typical environments of freshwater wetlands: marsh, pond, swamp, and riparian forest. Covering 900 hectares, it is one of central Italy’s most important Special Protection wetlands. Thanks to its diverse environments, the oasis hosts numerous species of birds, both migratory and resident, including herons, marsh harriers, kingfishers, spoonbills, great and little grebes, and many species of ducks. Armed with telescopes, we’ll venture into the reserve, making use of observation huts to silently admire the surrounding nature. We’ll then visit the city of Orvieto, an ancient Etruscan city perched on a tuff cliff. We’ll explore the underground city with a local guide, visit the incredible hydraulic work of St. Patrick’s Well, and admire the magnificent Duomo, renowned for its unparalleled charm. Return to accommodation and dinner.
Via Catanelli 70 | 06135 | Perugia